Arc detection with resistance to nuisance activation through light subtraction

摘要

In an electrical distribution system having an arc management system for removal of arcing voltage from feeder circuits triggered at least in part by light signals, a secondary optical detector monitors a downstream branch circuit breaker in the feeder circuit compartment to produce an optical signal for arc detection more accurately reflecting the possibility of an arcing fault.

主权项

1. An arc fault detection system for an electrical enclosure, comprising
a circuit breaker within the enclosure, a primary optical detector for detecting visible light from arcing faults within the enclosure and emitting a primary optical signal representative of its detected light, a secondary optical detector for detecting visible light from a circuit breaker trip event within the enclosure and emitting a secondary optical signal representative of its detected light, a means for combining the primary optical signal and the secondary optical signal, and the arc fault detection system operating an arc extinguisher to remove voltage from a feeder circuit in the enclosure based upon the combined optical signal.